Dvd - Mektoub, My Love: Canto Uno (1 DVD)

Seconds into the start of the film, one's attention is drawn to two on-screen quotations – one from the Bible and one from the Quran. Those quotations together with the film's title set the scene for the film.For me, “Mektoub, My Love” (original title: “Mektoub, My Love: Canto Uno”) is a superb film. A film that can definitely be watched as a stand-alone film I'd say, but the story we are presented with doesn't (necessarily) conclude when the film stops ( since the release of “Mektoub My Love” in 2017, “Mektoub, My Love: Intermezzo” has been released in 2019. Intermezzo suggesting perhaps a further instalment?).The cast are superb, their acting – incredible. There are often scenes with many characters, for example perhaps in a bar, and their interaction with each-other is so realistic, it doesn't looked staged or choreographed in the slightest. I don't know how much freedom director Abdellatif Kechiche gave his cast with their dialogue and their actions but the end result is very natural, and to such a degree that you could easily be watching documentary rather than fiction, and those visuals are emphasised by the cinematography that helps give the realistic quality of the film, with lots of intimate close up shots of the characters.The direction from Abdellatif Kechiche has meant that often scenes are played out, taking more time than might normally be expected in fictional films. This also makes “Mektoub, My Love” a long film (it is nearly three hours long) but it didn't feel too long to me, or that it would be improved by editing out some of what is presented.There's plenty of very good and very varied music in the film. The film opens with a beautiful piece from Mozart playing, and there's plenty of music from the late twentieth century that also plays throughout the film.The story takes place in the south of France and is centred around Amin, played by Shaïn Boumedine, and shows Amin's interactions with his family and friends. Shaïn Boumedine, acting in his first feature film is excellent in his role as his character observes and listens to what is going on around him. His character is subdued compared with many of the other people he interacts with, even so he does deliver the films most significant dialogue.This is one of those films where one only fully appreciates the film once the whole of it has been seen, but there is plenty to enjoy over the three hours of “Mektoub, My Love” with the excellent director, his excellent cast, and everyone else who has helped to make this superb film.As well as Abdellatif Kechiche being director, one of the big attractions for me with “Mektoub, My Love: Cano Uno” was the inclusion of Hafsia Herzi in the cast. I first saw Hafsia Herzi in “La Source des Femmes” and thought she was brilliant, and then came across Abdellatif Kechiche whilst looking for other Hafsia Herzi films (“Couscous”) so for me, for the two to be working on the same film again was very appealing. Sadly though, Hafsia Herzi is in a supporting role and is not on screen nearly as much as I would have liked (but that would be my only “criticism” that I could possibly find to say of the film).On the DVD (ASIN: B07M6RVYRY) you get:“Mektoub, My Love” (2 hours 54 minutes)Scene SelectionTrailerSet Up:2.0 Stereo, 5.1 SurroundOptional English Subtitles

If you enjoyed Cous C and Blue then this is the next step. I actually preferred it , boys picking girls on the beach , summer sex , family ties . Yes there is a male gaze and yes its rather long but worth sticking for the night club fun at the end and for a marvellous spaghetti on the beach ! A visual feast.

Excellent,recommended

I did not order this item

Not worth the money to buy. Good beginning. No middle and no end story.

Poor storyline drags on more like a soap talking for talking sake with no outcome

Very sexy movie , beach scene are beautifull.Over all it is a good movie to watch.looking forward to watch the second part ,recently released

After seeing Blue Is The Warmest Colour also directed by Abdellatif Kechiche I wanted to see his nxt project. Although there is some nudity the story is there. The photography was sumptuous and the cast did well. Whilst it is not like Blue........ you should move on and see this.